New Book Celebrates the Poetic Beauty of America’s Diverse Languages
America is a tapestry of languages, many of which are rare and endangered. In his new book, B.A. Van Sise highlights this linguistic diversity, exploring the poetic beauty and resilience of languages that continue to thrive despite facing existential threats. This exploration delves not only into the languages themselves but also into the stories of those who speak, learn, and work to preserve them.
The Resilient Nature of America’s Endangered Languages
For centuries, English has been the dominant language in North America, overshadowing and often assimilating other languages. Yet against this tide of change, hundreds of Indigenous and diasporic languages continue to exist. These languages have survived colonialism, disease, cultural upheaval, and forced migration, showcasing an enduring resilience.
Van Sise's book features more than 70 languages, each accompanied by a cultural summary and a carefully chosen word that epitomizes its unique beauty. These words are often difficult to translate into English, further emphasizing the linguistic richness Van Sise aims to capture. He describes this project not simply as an exploration of ethnicity but as a celebration of the poetic nature of languages.
This theme is a continuation from his previous work, "Children of Grass: A Portrait of American Poetry" (2019), and shares a thematic kinship with "Invited to Life: Finding Hope After the Holocaust" (2023). Just as Holocaust survivors are deeply concerned with preserving their stories, speakers of endangered languages are focused on maintaining their linguistic legacies for future generations.
Van Sise initially intended to document "the last speakers" of these languages but shifted to emphasize the individuals and groups actively revitalizing and resurrecting them. With extensive travels across 48 states and collaboration with numerous cultural organizations and tribes, Van Sise captures the vibrant efforts to sustain these languages. He notes, however, that many thrive best in remote areas where communities still converse regularly.
Striving for Balance Through Visual Poetry
Through his photography, Van Sise brings to life the concept of hózhó, a Navajo term often translated as "striving for balance," through a collaboration with Laura Tohe, a former poet laureate of the Navajo Nation. Tohe's vibrant turquoise dress complements the azure sky, while Van Sise's playful humor infuses the session with creativity.
In another portrait, Van Sise illustrates the word onirique, a Houma French term describing dream-like qualities, by featuring former Houma chief Kirby Verret alongside an alligator. These whimsical, evocative photographs celebrate the linguistic metaphors and imagery inherent in each language.
Similarly, Van Sise spent significant time with Amish community member Sylvan Esh to capture dæafe, a Pennsylvania Dutch term denoting permission. The photograph, like the word itself, underscores the cultural importance of permissions and communal harmony.
Reviving Lost Languages
The book doesn’t shy away from languages that have experienced near loss. Amber Hayward of the Puyallup tribe introduces the Lushootseed word ʔux̌ʷəlč, reflecting the timeless rhythm of waves on the beach. Despite Lushootseed's near extinction, efforts like Hayward's language program are bringing it back to life.
The Kalispel language, represented by Jessie Isadore, is another impressive example. Van Sise captures the concept of cn̓paʔqcín, or the dawn approaching, showcasing the language’s fluid, integrative quality where nouns and verbs meld into unified expressions.
Even languages like Nahuatl, not primarily spoken in the U.S., find a place in the book. Collaborating with Citlali Arvizu, a folkloric dancer in Los Angeles, Van Sise depicts tixochicitlalcuecuepocatimani, a Nahuatl compound word, as a vibrant visual poem. These photographs serve a broader purpose by raising awareness and inspiring linguistic preservation efforts.
Van Sise acknowledges that while he cannot directly bolster language revitalization programs, his work aims to spark interest and action. By offering these visual "sizzles," he hopes to engage audiences in deeper linguistic and cultural appreciation.
Exploring Unusual Words
The book also introduces readers to complex words—those that require several lines in English to convey their full meaning. Each word functions as a gateway, inviting readers to delve into the world of a particular language, beyond simple translation.
Van Sise's latest work is a tribute to America's linguistic diversity, offering both an artistic and a heartfelt plea for preservation and respect for the poetic beauty inherent in these languages. The effort encapsulates not just the words, but the lives, dreams, and futures that they enable, making his photographic journey a powerful testament to the rich tapestry of the American linguistic landscape.
출처 : Original Source